In a city known for its iconic landmarks, a political storm is brewing as San Francisco Mayor London Breed faces increased scrutiny over her crime policies. Amidst the backdrop of rising crime rates and a challenging mayoral election on the horizon, Breed finds herself recalibrating her stance on policing.

A seismic shift to the right in San Francisco https://t.co/xN43RaSHoZ

— POLITICO (@politico) September 27, 2023

Back in 2020, the mayor aligned with the call to defund the police, a move triggered by the Black Lives Matter protests advocating for police reform. A significant $120 million was carved out from the budgets of both the police and sheriff departments under Breed’s direction, a decision framed as breaking down barriers to progress, as reported by ABC7 News.

However, the political landscape has shifted. Enter moderate Democrats Ahsha Safai and Daniel Lurie, now contenders in the 2024 mayoral race. Their entrance has catalyzed a surprising turn of events as Breed, facing criticism of her administration, has executed a series of policy reversals in the past month, primarily centered around police reform, according to Politico.

Despite the undeniable surge in crime over recent years, Breed remains steadfast in reducing law enforcement budgets, even as residents clamor for increased police presence. The move has raised eyebrows and led to accusations of political maneuvering to secure reelection.

Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, a seasoned observer of the city’s political landscape, commented on Breed’s recent actions: “She’s doing what she needs to do to get reelected. She’s playing a good poker game.”

As the 2024 mayoral race gains momentum, the citizens of San Francisco are left to ponder the implications of Breed’s policy shifts and the candidates’ differing visions for the city’s future.